Downtown developments under review in Marlborough

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE – Following the approval from the City Council’s Urban Affairs Committee, the full Council is expected to vote Nov. 5 on a project at 28 South Bolton St. at the current site of Marilyn Green, Re/Max real estate offices. Green, who owns the property, has purchased an adjacent lot to allow for plans to tear down the current office building and house next door, to construct a five-story building with 36 residential units, two retail and/or office spaces and ground floor parking. A clock tower is planned for the top of the building and according to Attorney Arthur P. Bergeron of law firm, Mirick O’Connell who represents M & E Ventures (Green), the plans also calls for a small park on the grounds. If approved by the City Council, Bergeron said he expects construction could begin in the spring.

The second project slated for a public hearing on Monday, Nov. 19, according to Bergeron, is known as E on Main located at 165 Main St. He is representing owner Enza Sambataro who has plans for a four-story building with 47 residential units with retail space and parking along with a roof deck for residents. The deck is to be partially covered and possibly offer outdoor kitchen amenities.

“The infrastructure is all there including sidewalks,” Bergeron noted. “All you need is a mixed-use development like this to attract professionals seeking a more urban lifestyle.”

However, roof decks are not included in the current zoning rules outlined in the Marlborough Village District ordinance that was passed in 2014.

“We have gone over many changes to the original plan with the Site Committee and all agreed that roof decks are a selling point and rare outside of major cities,” Bergeron said. “We never thought of this while developing the Marlborough Village District.”

As a result, a public hearing is currently scheduled for Nov. 19 at 8 p.m. on the second floor of City Hall. The Council need to pass any changes to the Marlborough Village District Ordinance and in this case allow for roof decks. If the needed approval are given, Bergeron expects this project to break ground in April 2019.